Deputy Ombudsman Saša Rajić and Advisors to the Ombudswoman Vanja Bakalović and Snježana Stanić, as representatives of the National Preventive Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, participated in a workshop organised by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR), held on 4 and 5 December 2024 in Belgrade. The workshop was held in the context of preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalisation that lead to terrorism (VERLT) in prisons.
The training programme covered both theoretical and practical knowledge on VERLT, challenges related to the protection of human rights, and monitoring strategies in prison settings, with particular focus on the specific challenges in monitoring the situation of inmates suspected of violent extremism, as well as on classification and risk assessment, including issues of arbitrary assessments and excessive classification.
Additionally, the training addressed prison regimes, security measures and their potential impact on human rights, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration programmes following the completion of sentences. Through case studies and group discussions, participants also explored institutional issues and staff conditions, including staffing levels, training, and working conditions.